FAQ

What are non-geographic numbers? A national non-geographic number is allocated without any geographic linkages within a country. This number can be accessed without dialing geographic area codes. There are several types of these numbers and each one of them corresponds to a specific service. For each service the number is dialed with specific 3-4 digit leading access code. Such numbers may or may not have special tariffs. Different administrations around the world regulate them differently. Some types are subjected to auctioning. Their utilization can either be purely for inter-operator use (usually specific short codes) or exclusively for the public. What are the types of non-geographic numbers? Non-geographic numbers are of following types: S.No Non-geographic Number Type 1. UAN 2. Toll free 3. UIN 4. PRS 5. Short codes 6. National Signalling point codes 7. International Signalling point codes

Leading Access code 111 0800 131 0900 4-digit codes As per ITU standards As per ITU standards

What is a Universal Access Number (UAN)? UAN is a number resource that allows a service or business with several terminating lines to be reached through a unique universal number. A UAN number shall be dialable from the entire Pakistan, based on the applicants proposed coverage without dialing the area code. UAN cannot be assigned to two separate business or mutually exclusive public services. Each service provider who allows UAN through its network shall offer a tariff, which is not more expensive than the normal tariff available for a similar non-UAN public service. What does Toll free (TF) number mean? It means that caller will not pay any charges for dialing the 0800 numbers when diallied from anywhere within the country. The called party will pay the call charges. For international callers, toll free service can be made available through mutual agreement between the service provider and access provider (operator) after notifying PTA of the commercial agreement. Can a non-licensee apply for UAN/Toll free number? Yes, as long as other requirements are met. What does UIN & PRS numbers mean? UIN stands for Universal Internet Number i.e. 131-xxxxx. This number is allocated to Internet service providers only. PRS number stands for Premium Rate Service number i.e. 0900-xxxxx. This number is allocated to Audio text license holders as well as content-based service providers or any other premium rate service.

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What is meant by Premium Rate Service (PRS)?

Premium Rate Service (PRS) is a telephone service that provides recorded information or live conversation for callers similar to 1-900 number service in the U.S. Callers are charged a higher rate on their phone bill, which is then split between the service provider and the network operator who leases the PRS number to the provider. The rates at which the caller is billed should be publically announced to ensure that call tariffs do not appear hidden.
Who can benefit from the UAN/Toll free/PRS number?

Any corporate or commercial firm or public service office can offer its services by using this number to promote their purpose, product, contact information etc. The same UAN/Tollfree number can be used by the firm in all its designated offices within Pakistan. Arrangements can also be made for international incoming calls as well. PRS number can be used by licensees & non-licensees to offer advice /consultation, forecast in any field, fortune telling, share market consultation, job consultation and information on sports, fund raising, in live TV programs for charity purposes etc using the telecom network. A PRS service cannot be provided from outside Pakistan.
Whats the procedure for getting a number? A number can be obtained through one of following ways: i. ii. iii. i. Online application through Internet, by the applicant Online application filed by service provider on behalf of the applicant Through correspondence or personally by visiting PTA (discouraged) Online application through internet by the applicant: The following steps are involved for online number request: a. Online Registration: Prior to apply for a number all applicants (licenses or non-licensees) are first required to register themselves with PTA. This is a one time activity and needs online registration with the PTA numbering system at www.pta.gov.pk. The applicant should provide relevant information i.e. company name, postal address, NTN number, CNIC etc. All fields must be completed alongwith the attachment of scanned NTN certificate and CNIC. b. Number allocation request (Toll free, UIN & PRS) After registration at PTA, the applicant will forward online number allocation request through www.pta.gov.pk. The online application form supported by relevant documents should include: Scanned attachment of 3- telephone bills in the name of applicants company for each location (UAN, toll free, UIN), which will be used as backend numbers;

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Payment for annual number charges (Annual charges are payable annually); Payment for application processing fee.

ii. Online application filed by service provider on behalf of the applicant The steps mentioned in i(a) & i(b) are applicable. However, customer can request for UAN & toll free number through their service provider who will be partially or completely responsible for providing access (backend numbers). The service provider will forward the online request to PTA on behalf of their designated customers. iii. Through correspondence or personally by visiting PTA (Discouraged) Any numbering resource request through correspondence or personal visits will be discouraged. This will be allowed in exceptional cases only.

What is the procedure for getting a UAN number? The procedure for UAN is similar to other numbers except that the applicant will forward their online request for UAN without any number charges. PTA will issue the demand note as per the choice of UAN numbers from group A, B, & C. After the issuance of demand note the applicant will attach the demand draft copy in its online request and submit the request for UAN allocation. Attach all documents in pdf file format. What is the advantage of online system? Online numbering system provides an easy way to launch request for number allocation, cancellation, & addition of locations etc. It is a more reliable & speedy method for requesting number resources. Once an applicant (licensee or non-licensee) is registered online (a one time activity) a user name & password will be issued to the applicant (desiring registration with PTA) for all future activity. How PTA will inform the applicant registration acceptance? An email will be sent at the applicants email address that was entered at the time of registration. What will happen after submission of online numbering request? After submission of an online request, a tracking number will be provided to the applicant to keep the track of their request. PTA processes the case and notifies the applicant of its decision with reasonings, if so required. Is it necessary to submit the hardcopy of the application for number allocation after online request? No, there will be no need to submit any documents. However, the applicant has to send the bank draft in original for application processing fee and annual number charges to PTA. The applicant must write tracking ID along with the name of the company name at the back of the bank draft.

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What is NTN? An NTN certificate is issued by Federal Board of Revenue (Pakistans official tax collection agency) to private firms or companies. This certificate is issued on the companys name, or individuals name in case of sole proprietor ship. Why is it necessary to have 3-backend numbers for UAN/Toll free number request? UAN numbers are issued to businesses for the convenience of the callers, who have a fair amount of business or incoming calls. UAN/Toll free are special numbers. To avoid any traffic congestion PTA desires a minimum of 3-backend numbers. It means that although the firm may posses a single UAN/Toll Free number but it can receive the 3-incoming calls on a single UAN/TF number simultaneously. Can I use Premium Rate Interface (PRI) connection as backend number for UAN & Toll Free? Yes, in case of Primary Rate Interface (PRI) connection, which contains 30 channels only one PRI number is required as backend number for UAN, TF. Can I add more than three backend numbers? Yes, there is no maximum limit to the number of backend numbers.

Can a toll free number operate as a backend number for UAN, to make Toll free call as a local call? Yes, the call will be local and not free.
If my telephones (for back end numbers) have been recently installed and I dont have bills for last three months then what option do I have? The applicant must attach the advise/demand note copies or undertaking from the designated officer of the operator that the said phone numbers have started functioning on the applicants name. How long does it take for getting number approval? Normally it takes 7 working days for processing an application after it is received at PTA completed in all respect alongwith the verifications that all dues have been deposited in the official account. However, in case of any query or involvement of an auction process or reasons beyond PTAs control this time may increase. What is the application-processing fee? As per Numbering allocation & administration regulations 2005 an amount of Rs.1000/- has to be submitted with every application for addition, cancellation, modification or number allocation. This amount is not refundable. The application fee may change due to any change in the regulations or a new directive from the Authority.

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What are the annual number charges? An applicant has to submit the advanced annual number charges at the time of application submission. Annual charges become due on 30th of June of every year. These charges vary from time to time for various number categories such as geographic & non-geographic numbers. The current charging scheme is as follows: GEOGRAPHIC Numbers. Number Category Six (or higher) digit number for PSTN/ WLL & Mobile Phone Numbers

S.No. 1.

Annual Fee (Rs.) 0.50

2.

3.

NON-GEOGRAPHIC Numbers Short Codes, Carrier Pre-selection Codes, NSPC, ISPC, SID and other 5000.00 special numbers i.e Toll Free, PRS and UIN. Annual number charges for UAN numbers As per policy, UAN numbers are divided into six groups A, B, C, D, E, & F. UAN numbers in group A, B, & C are allocated against fixed annual price whereas UAN in D, E, & F groups will be auctioned. The annual charges against each group are: A 20,000 B 40,000 C 80,000 D 160,000 E 320,000 F 500,000

Can I apply for UAN for more than one location in a single application? Yes the applicant can apply for as many locations in one application with complete documents. Can I apply for a Toll free number for more than one location in a single application? Yes the applicant can apply for as many locations in one application with complete documents along with Rs.1000/- as an application processing fee and annual number charges. Can I get more than one UAN number in Pakistan? Yes. Can I get the UAN/TF from any service provider? PTA authorizes all WLL, PTCL, CMTOs and FLL, to provide UAN/TF numbers to their subscribers after approval from PTA. Do I have to pay these charges annually and where should it be submitted? Yes as per Number Allocation & Administration regulations the applicant is liable to pay number charges annually. The charges can be submitted by Bank draft in favor of PTA NID A/c No. 11 National Bank of Pakistan Marriot Hotel Branch, Islamabad. New payments should be scanned and submitted online through the online accounts already created.

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In case I didnt pay annual number charges what will happen? The number shall be withdrawn and shall be quarantined for: 180 days if it had been in use or for 30 days if it had not been in use for last 180 days.

What type of numbers a non-license can get? Non-license is eligible to apply for UAN, Toll free and common short codes (for content providers). What are the short codes? Short codes are 4/5-digit numbers from the level 1 & 0. These codes are allocated to those working for humanitarian emergency and other country vide services/causes. These are also allocated to content service providers. Specific series are allocated for specific purposes and not many numbers are available, therefore the process is not open and unrestricted. Proper justifications are required before these can be made available.

For addition of location for UAN/TF service, what obligations have to be met for backend numbers? Three backend numbers in the name of company are required for each location where the UAN/toll free numbers are requested. The applicant has to apply to the Authority for addition of location, against desired number. Whats the procedure for dialing UAN/toll free & PRS number? Its simple like an ordinary telephone number. The dialing format for UAN/toll free/PRS is: UAN 111-xxxxxx (nation wide) Toll Free 0800-xxxxx (nation wide) Premium Rate Services: 0900-xxxxx (nation wide)